This process of getting engaged has resulted in some fun stories and moments I would want to share with Jayme, but I just can’t cause it would ruin the whole “marry me?” surprise coming up. Jayme is truly my other half, if  I know something, so does she. It feels wrong not sharing my experiences with her, because she is apart of me. I wanted to be able to share them with her sooner then later so here goes my virtual attempt to satisfy my need to say the things I can’t.

Shopping for ring: So I have already wrote about this in the abstract sense, but the actual stories come from the different places I visited. I went to a few large chain jewelers, one very popular Minnesota jeweler, and then a family run jewelry store. I had a few experiences that were fine, nothing special, one that was great and another that I knew from the moment go I was not getting a ring there. The one place I did not like instantly clung to all the “great ideas” I had for this ring was overly sell-y (if that is a word) she tried to high priced rings and really didn’t seem to know what she was talking about. (I had to point out the exemption of their warranty/exchange policy not covering my ring due to wanting a pearl center. It was not a great experience to say the least.  The place I ended up going with was the small family run jewelry store. the person who helped me really wanted me to make the best selection for me and Jayme. she was patient and helpful along with not being overly “excited” for us. The perfect blend of professionalism and personality. They are custom creating the ring for me this very minute and it will hopefully be here in 6 weeks so I can purpose in 6 weeks and a day 🙂

Chad on patio: Friday last week was St. Patty’s Day, one of my favorite holidays. My Friend Chad came down along with my brother and other people. Chad and I were out on the patio talking and specifically discussing another friends bachelor parties.  I mentioned being hesitant to want to spend a ton of money on it because I had other expenses coming up. Chad jumped on the statement and asked “are you going to purpose to Jayme?!” I respond with a simple yes (more then likely assisted by the green beer that was flowing). Then a bro hug followed by a “F’ yeah, that’s awesome!”. So, I think it is safe to say Chad approves.

Texting Kaitlyn: While I am pretty sure Jayme will love the ring I chose to go with, I wanted to get the opinion of one of her best friends. She concurred that the design was great and that Jayme should love it. We then talked a little about how excited we both are for the actual proposal to happen (THOSE details are under locks). I always enjoy my talks with Kaitlyn, She is a great person and it is beyond clear we both love the same girl.

Jokes about engagement: So this has been hilarious for me. you have made three of these “hahaha-we-are-not-engaged-yet-hahaha” jokes. I have no idea if they are her way of hinting that we need be getting engaged soon or not, but it a moot point really, the one she made last night was only 6 hours after I paid for the ring and it began its creation process.

Dinner with dad: I saved the sweet one for last. We went out for dinner last night with my dad since he was in town for a conference. We had great conversation and it was a lot of fun. When we were going to drop him back off at his hotel we decided to make an impromptu stop over at a new brewery in the area. It was more of the same from dinner (laughing, stories etc). I got up and went to the bathroom at one point and walked back to the two of them talking at the table and it was just such a nice site to see Jayme fully integrated into my family and comfortable in where she was. I know a lot of these stories seem inconsequential and they really are, because they are the everyday. It is no surprise that our friends are happy for us, or that Jayme fits so well with my family. But right now I can’t tell her all of this, so for now this post will hold those thoughts and these stories until the day she says “yes” to that most important question.